The officers and men had mustered with anxious faces. They knew that a communication of some import had been received from a British cruiser, but the vaguest details of its contents were missing. Presently Captain Brookes, in full uniform, came on deck, striding proudly like a young bantam, as the point of his scabbard clanked across the metal plating. Walking as he did between, yet slightly in advance of, two tall lieutenants, his gait would have appeared ridiculous had he been other than the captain of the _Olive Branch_; but there was a determination in his bearing that outweighed his comparatively diminutive stature and his pompous walk. As eight bells were sounded the ship's ensign was hoisted, all hands standing rigidly to attention as was their wont. Then, taking from his pocket the document that he had received overnight, Captain Brookes began to read its contents. _From My Lords executing the office of Lord High Admiral of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels on the High Seas to the officer commanding the cruiser (nationality uncertain) "Olive Branch._" SIR,--You are hereby informed that, as far as His Majesty's Government is concerned, the decree of piracy issued against you, dated 29/8/--, is cancelled, provided that you and the vessel you command abstain from committing any act of violence against any of His Majesty's subjects, ships, buildings, or other properties of the Crown.--(Signed) BALDERSTOWE, Secretary to My Lords, etc., etc. For a few seconds following the conclusion of this announcement absolute silence prevailed. The officers were too phlegmatic to allow themselves to express their feelings with acclamation; the men took longer to grasp the meaning of the declaration. When at length its significance came home to them, the seamen burst into a prolonged cheer. Thoroughly loyal to their chief, the officers and crew had realised that the captain's policy had brought them into dangerous paths; nor could they forget that they were Britons by birth. But now the amnesty had been received the load on their minds had been removed; they could pursue their plans with a good grace. "You see, my men," exclaimed Captain Brookes, "there's more in this than the British Admiralty feel inclined to put into writing. We are recognised as an important factor in preserving the world's peace. Nay, I will go farther. Should Great Britain in her hour of trial require our assistance--and events seem to show that clouds are already gathering on the political horizon--the _Olive Branch_ will not hesitate to range herself on the side of the champion of true liberty. "Now occurs the opportunity of informing you of the _Olive Branch's_ present mission. For some considerable time past there have been signs of an approaching rupture between Turkey and Greece, and events have proved that the trouble between these two States has almost invariably ended in European war.